These two pictures are two edited version of the same picture, both are slightly cropped but that's all that has been done to the first, the second is selectively colored and sharpened. I alternate between preferring the more natural look of the first and the more artistic of the second, what do you think? and what other advice can you offer?

I am a fan of the more natural look, would like to see the face a bit better. Wouldn`t hurt to see if you can brighten up the face a bit. ie a bit of positive exposure dialled in when taking photo or maybe do something post processing.

Yeah, I agree it's pretty gimmicky. I remember I had a dip in the "selective coloring hole" 1.5-2 years ago. Glad I got out of it! (Just like the HDR hole!)I guess it can be used well, but still gimmicky imo

I think it can work for images that are already quite extreme - such a a model with an outrageous outfit or possibly the classic black and white scene with the Red Double Decker Bus/Yellow Taxi etc. I just don't think a beautiful natural scene benefits from it.

_________________Dan Marchant
I am learning photo graphee - see the results at www.danmarchant.com